"Now," said Mrs. Farrington, as she rose from the table, "we'll have our Christmas Waits sing carols, and then we'll have our tree."
The children understood this, and Hester and Bobby at once ran out of the room. A few moments later they returned, dressed in trailing white robes, like surplices, and before they reached the drawing-room, their childish voices could be heard singing old-fashioned carols.
They had been well trained, and sang very prettily, and as they appeared in the doorway, Patty could scarcely believe that these demure little white-robed figures were the two merry children.
After two or three carols by the "Waits," the whole party joined in a Christmas chorus, and Patty's clear soprano rang out sweetly in the harmony.
"What a lovely voice you have, Patty, dear," said Mrs. Farrington, as the song was done; "it has improved greatly since I heard you last. Are you taking lessons?"
"I shall, Mrs. Farrington, after we get fairly settled. Father wants me to begin as soon as he can find the right teacher."
"Yes, indeed; you must do so. It would be a shame not to cultivate such a talent as that."
"You _have_ improved, Patty!" declared Kenneth. "My! but your voice is stunning. I expect we'll see you on the concert stage yet."
"More likely on a Fifth Avenue stage," said Patty, laughing.
"Now for the tree!" exclaimed Bobby, who had thrown aside his white robe, and was ready for the fun to begin.
The tree had been set up in the indoor tennis-court, which was in the Casino.
This Casino, practically another house, opened from the great hall of the Farrington mansion, and its various apartments were devoted to different sorts of amusements.
The tennis court made a fine setting for the Christmas celebration, and had been carefully prepared for the great event.
The floor was covered with white canton flannel, so arranged over slight ridges and hummocks that it looked exactly like a field of drifted snow.
The tree, at the end of the room, was the largest that could be obtained, and was loaded with beautiful ornaments and decorations, and glittering with electric lights of all colours.
Patty had seen many Christmas trees, but never such a large or splendid one, and it almost took her breath away.